Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs)¶
Definition¶
DIDs (Decentralized Identifiers) are a W3C standard for globally unique identifiers that are created, owned, and controlled by the individual — not by any central authority. DIDs are the identifier layer that complements Verifiable Credentials.
DID Structure¶
did:method:method-specific-identifier
| Example | DID Method | Where It Resolves |
|---|---|---|
did:web:example.com |
Web | DNS / HTTPS |
did:key:z6MkhaXg... |
Key | Self-contained (public key in DID) |
did:ion:EiAnK... |
ION | Bitcoin blockchain (Layer 2) |
did:ethr:0xb9c5... |
Ethereum | Ethereum blockchain |
did:sov:WRfXPg... |
Sovrin | Sovrin blockchain |
DID Document¶
A DID resolves to a DID Document containing:
| Field | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Public keys | For verifying signatures on VCs |
| Authentication methods | How the DID owner proves control |
| Service endpoints | Where to send messages to DID owner |
Key Takeaways¶
Summary
- DIDs are self-owned identifiers — no central authority can revoke or control them
- Multiple DID methods exist — from blockchain-based to simple web-hosted
- DIDs pair with Verifiable Credentials to create complete decentralized identity
- did:web is the most pragmatic for enterprise eKYC (no blockchain needed)
- EUDI Wallet will likely use DIDs as the underlying identifier mechanism